Dondi Osborne, a federal prosecutor in Durango, has been appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper to serve as La Plata County judge.
Osborne said she was notified Friday that she was selected from a list of nine candidates and three finalists for the job.
“It was just an absolute thrill,” Osborne said. “I was really excited to learn that.”
Osborne will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Martha Minot.
“Judge Minot has served as county court judge for over 20 years, and her service has been outstanding, and I am so honored the governor has selected me to fill her position,” Osborne said.
Osborne, 49, moved to Durango in 1986 to attend Fort Lewis College. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fort Lewis College in 1991 and her law degree from Creighton University in 1996.
Osborne worked from 1997 to 2007 as a deputy and assistant district attorney for the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Durango.
She became an assistant United States attorney in January 2008, prosecuting a variety of criminal cases, including murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, theft, tax violations, and others.
Osborne’s appointment will be effective Aug. 29.
shane@durangoherald.com
